KR20240047311A - Seal member and connector assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A sealing member is provided that more advantageously enables a reduction in the force required in the operation of engaging the connector. A sealing member is provided comprising a protruding area, the protruding area comprising: a plurality of first ridges on a first major face, a plurality of second ridges on a second major face opposite the first major face, and It is formed between the second ridges adjacent to each other and includes a central trough located at the center of the second main face when viewed in cross section, and the first ridge located at least the outermost of the first ridges has: When viewed, it is arranged to be offset relative to the plurality of second ridges.

Description

SEAL MEMBER AND CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY}

This disclosure relates to sealing members. In particular, the present disclosure relates to sealing members included within connectors.

In two connectors that are joined together, it is known that a sealing member is used between the connectors to prevent liquid or the like from flowing into the interior of the connectors.

For example, the sealing member disclosed in Patent Document 1 generally has a frame shape. Three streaks arranged in a row along the circumferential direction are disposed on each of the outer and inner peripheral surfaces of the sealing member. A set of streaks disposed on the inner and outer peripheral surfaces are respectively configured to abut the housings of the two connectors. In this configuration, the streaks of the sealing member are pressed between the housings of the connector and brought into close contact with the housings while being elastically deformed to achieve sealing between the housings.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-306585

The present inventor has recognized that there are problems that must be overcome in the sealing member having a conventional structure, and has newly discovered the need to devise countermeasures for the problems. Specifically, the present inventor discovered that there were the following problems.

In the sealing member having the above-described structure, in particular, the streak located at the center of the three streaks may be compressed and deformed and destroyed by the load from the two housings facing each other. However, the width dimension between the housings may be reduced to increase the compressive load applied to the sealing member depending on the dimensional tolerance between the connectors. In this case, the repulsive force of the sealing member can be excessively increased by pressing the streak at the center of the sealing member more strongly to greatly deform the streak. This increase in repulsive force requires a large introduction force in the operation of coupling the connector, and may cause the sealing member or connector to be damaged.

The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these problems. That is, the main purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a sealing member that can more preferably reduce the force required in the operation of coupling the connector.

The present inventor attempted to solve the above-mentioned problems by not solving the problem as an extension of the prior art, but by solving the problem in a new direction. As a result, the invention of a sealing member for achieving the above-mentioned main purpose was achieved.

The present disclosure provides a sealing member comprising a protruding region, the protruding region comprising: a plurality of first ridges on a first major face, a plurality of second ridges on a second major face opposite the first major face; and a central trough formed between the second ridges adjacent to each other, when viewed in cross section, the first ridge located at least the outermost of the first ridges, as viewed in cross section. When, it is arranged to be offset with respect to the plurality of second ridges.

According to the sealing member of the present disclosure, the force required in the operation of engaging the connector can be more advantageously reduced.

1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a first connector including a sealing member of the present disclosure and a second connector matching the first connector.
Figure 2 is an isometric view schematically showing a sealing member of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section of the sealing member taken along the line I-I in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section of the sealing member taken along I-I in FIG. 1.
Figure 5A is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing a sealing member located between a first connector and a second connector.
5B is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing another embodiment of a sealing member located between a first connector and a second connector.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an alternative example of a sealing member of the present disclosure.
7A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an alternative example of a sealing member of the present disclosure.
7B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an alternative example of a sealing member of the present disclosure.

A sealing member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The various elements in the drawings are merely described in a schematic and exemplary manner for explaining the present disclosure, and the external appearance and dimensional ratio of the elements may be different from the actual external appearance and dimensional ratio.

In the following description, terms meaning specific directions and positions are additionally used as needed. However, these terms are used to facilitate understanding of the present invention with reference to the drawings, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the meaning of the terms. Additionally, parts indicated by the same reference numeral in multiple drawings refer to the same or similar parts.

Additionally, the description of illustrative aspects of the disclosure is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the drawings of which are considered part of the overall description. In the description relating to aspects of the disclosure disclosed herein, reference to direction or directionality is for convenience of explanation only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. “top”, “bottom”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “top”, “bottom”, “top” and “bottom”, and their derivative terms “horizontally”, “up”, “down”, etc. The same relative terms should be understood as referring to the directions described or shown. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require the device to be configured or operated in a particular orientation unless otherwise specified. Additionally, terms such as “attached,” “appended,” or “assembled,” or similar terms, refer to a relationship in which structures are directly or indirectly fixed or attached to each other by intervening elements, or both structures, unless otherwise specified. Both refer to attachments or relationships that are movable or fixed. Additionally, examples of features or advantages of the present disclosure are described with reference to preferred aspects. These aspects are described in sufficient detail to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure. It should be understood that other aspects may be used and that process and electrical or mechanical modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is in no way limited to the preferred aspects (aspects alone or in combination with other features), which illustrate examples of unlimited combinations of conceivable features.

Additionally, the term "generally vertical" as used herein does not necessarily mean completely "vertical," but rather may mean a slight deviation from it (e.g., 90° ± 20° from completely "vertical"). For example, within the range of 90°±10°).

Additionally, the term “generally parallel,” as used herein, does not necessarily mean perfectly “parallel,” but rather a slight deviation from it (e.g., a deviation from perfectly “parallel” of ±20°, e.g. For example, within a range of up to ±10°).

Additionally, the term "viewed in cross section" as used herein means a cross section taken along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sealing member (i.e., the lateral direction of the sealing member).

[Basic configuration of connector assembly including sealing member of the present disclosure]

A feature of the present disclosure is the structure of a sealing member applicable to sealing a gap between two members. First, to understand the structure of the sealing member of the present disclosure, a general description of an exemplary connector assembly to which the sealing member of the present disclosure can be applied is given below with reference to the drawings.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector assembly including a sealing member of the present disclosure. The connector assembly 1 has main components, including a first connector 200, a second connector 300 matching the first connector, and a sealing member disposed between the first connector 200 and the second connector 300. Includes (100). In the present disclosure, “assembly” corresponds to a composite article containing a plurality of components, a matching article, etc.

The first connector 200 includes an external housing 220 and an internal housing 210 accommodated in the external housing 220. The outer housing 220 and the inner housing 210 are each opened in a direction in which they are coupled to the second connector 300. A contact (not shown) that can be electrically connected to the contact of the second connector 300 may be supported by the internal housing 210 . The inner housing 210 may include a space surrounding the inner housing 210 between the inner housing 210 and the outer housing 220 . The first connector 200 and the second connector 300 can be coupled to each other by inserting the housing 310 of the second connector 300 into this space.

The sealing member 100 of the present disclosure may be disposed between the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 in a state in which the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 are coupled to each other. More specifically, the sealing member 100 of the present disclosure is disposed in a coupled state between the inner housing 210 of the first connector 200 and the housing 310 of the second connector 300 to form contact points within the connectors. They can be waterproofed.

The sealing member 100 may be attached to surround the outer periphery of the inner housing 210 of the first connector 200. For example, a groove may be formed around the outside of the inner housing 210, and the sealing member 100 may be fitted into the groove. The sealing member 100 abuts the housing 310 of the second connector 300 when the second connector 300 is inserted into the first connector 200 . In this state, the sealing member 100 is in close contact with both the outer surface of the inner housing 210 of the first connector 200 and the inner surface of the housing 310 of the second connector 300, A seal is achieved between (200) and the second connector (300).

Figure 2 is an isometric view schematically showing a sealing member of the present disclosure. The sealing member 100 may have a ring or frame shape that allows the sealing member 100 to be in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner housing 210 of the first connector 200. Alternatively, the sealing member 100 may have another shape, such as an elongated shape, generally C-shaped or generally U-shaped. The sealing member 100 may be integrally molded using an elastic material (eg, silicone rubber), for example, by injection molding. In the coupled state, the sealing member 100 is pressed by the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 and the sealing member 100 is elastically deformed, so that the sealing member 100 is connected to the first connector 200. Sealing can be achieved between the second connectors 300 in a fluid-tight manner.

[Features of the sealing member of the present disclosure]

A feature of the present disclosure is the structure of the sealing member 100 applicable to the connector as described above. Hereinafter, the structure of the sealing member 100 of the present disclosure will be described in detail assuming the aspect applied between the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 as described above.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section of the sealing member 100 of the present disclosure taken along the line I-I shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the sealing member 100 of the present disclosure may be attached between the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 that are matched to each other. The sealing member 100 includes a raised region 110 each including a plurality of ridges on two opposing principal faces. As used herein, “protruding region” refers, in a broad sense, to an area comprising a ridge within the sealing member 100, and in a narrow sense refers to an area comprising two opposing ridges within the area sealing member 100. Each refers to an area containing multiple ridges on the main surface. Specifically, the “protruding area” is an area including a ridge protruding toward the first connector and a ridge protruding toward the second connector, and may be referred to as a “ridge-containing area” or the like.

The protruding area 110 has a first main surface 10 facing the first connector 200 and a second main surface 20 facing the second connector 300 that matches the first connector 200. Includes. Before the second connector 300 is inserted into the first connector 200, the sealing member 100 is attached to the first connector 200 such that the first major surface 10 faces the first connector 200. can do. That is, the “first main surface” as used herein refers to the surface facing the first connector 200 to which the sealing member 100 is attached before the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 are coupled to each other. This refers to the surface of the protruding area 110. As used herein, the “second main surface” refers to the surface of the protruding area 110 facing the second connector 300 when the second connector 300 is inserted into the first connector 200. This means that it corresponds to the side located opposite to the first main side 10. The first/second main surfaces 10 and 20 are surfaces located in the direction of the load applied to the sealing member 100 (i.e., the thickness direction (Y) of the sealing member 100), and each surface has a first Since it includes a part that abuts or contacts the connector 100 or the second connector 200, it is referred to as a “first/second adjacent surface”, “first/second contact surface”, or “first/second pressing surface”. may also be referred to.

When the sealing member 100 is disposed around the entire perimeter of the housing of the connector, the sealing member 100 preferably has a ring or frame shape. In view of this shape, the first major surface 10 corresponds to the major surface of the inner peripheral surface of the sealing member 100 and may therefore be regarded as the inner peripheral major surface of the sealing member 100 . The second major face 20 corresponds to the major face of the outer peripheral face of the sealing member and may therefore be regarded as the outer peripheral major face of the sealing member.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the sealing member 100 includes a plurality of ridges located on both the first major surface 10 and the second major surface 20 of the protruding region 110 . Specifically, the sealing member 100 of the present disclosure includes a plurality of first ridges 11 present on the first main surface 10 facing the first connector 200 in the protruding area 110 and a first 2 It includes a plurality of second ridges 21 present on the second main surface 20 facing the connector 300. That is, the plurality of first ridges 11 and the plurality of second ridges 21 are located in the protruding area 110 .

As used herein, “plurality” means two or more. Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, it is assumed that the first main surface 10 includes three ridges 11 and 12, and the second main surface 20 includes two second ridges 21. It is explained as follows.

On the first main face 10 and the second main face 20 of the protruding area 110, a plurality of first ridges 11 and a plurality of second ridges 21 are connected to the first connector 200 and the plurality of second ridges, respectively. It may protrude toward the second connector 300 and extend in the longitudinal direction (Z) of the sealing member 100 (see FIG. 2). Specifically, the first ridge 11 located on the first main surface 10 may protrude toward the first connector 200 and extend along the longitudinal direction (Z) of the sealing member 100. The second ridge 21 located on the second main surface 20 protrudes toward the second connector 200 in a similar manner to the first ridge 11 and extends in the longitudinal direction Z of the sealing member 100. It may be extended accordingly.

If the sealing member 100 has a ring or generally frame shape as shown in Figure 2, the “longitudinal direction” of the sealing member can also be considered the “circumferential direction” of the sealing member. Accordingly, the first ridge 11 may extend along the inner peripheral surface of the sealing member 100, and the second ridge 21 may extend along the outer peripheral surface of the sealing member 100. As shown in Figure 1, the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21 are in close contact with the first connector 200 and the second connector 300, respectively, and contribute to sealing between the connectors. , Therefore, it may also be referred to as first lips and second lips.

The plurality of first ridges 11 may be arranged in a row on the first main surface 10 in the lateral direction (X) of the sealing member 100 orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (Z) of the sealing member 100. . Likewise, the plurality of second ridges 21 may be arranged in a row on the second main surface 20 in the lateral direction (X) of the sealing member 100 . Here, the lateral direction

Each of the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21 may protrude at a similar height in the longitudinal direction Z of the sealing member 100. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 100 may generally have a similar shape within the longitudinal direction (Z) of the sealing member 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, when viewed in cross section, a central trough 25 is formed at the center of the second main surface 20. As used herein, “center” means the center of the length of the protruding area 110 in the width direction (X). That is, “center of the second major face” means the center of the width dimension of the second major face 20. Here, the center does not necessarily have to be the exact center. The center may vary depending on the size of the sealing member, but for example a deviation of about 2 mm from the exact center may be permitted. A central trough 25 may be formed between two second ridges 21 adjacent to each other on the second major surface 20 . That is, the two second ridges 21 adjacent to each other across the center of the second major face 20 may protrude to form a central trough 25 at the center of the second major face 20 .

At least the first ridge 11 located at the outermost side of the plurality of first ridges 11 is arranged to be offset with respect to the second ridge 21 when viewed in cross section. As used herein, “outer” refers to a positional relationship based on, for example, the position of the central ridge 12 described below in the width direction (X) of the protruding region 110. and specifically refers to the end side of the protruding area 110. This “outside” may be considered an edge surface of the sealing member 100, for example, if the entirety of the sealing member 100 includes a protruding area 110 as shown in FIG. 3. . That is, the “outermost first ridge” corresponds to the ridge located at the very end of the first main surface 10 when viewed in cross section.

The first ridges 11 located on the outermost sides of the first main surface 10 may be located further outside the second ridges 21 when viewed in cross section. That is, the second ridge 21 located on the outermost side of the plurality of second ridges 21 protrudes more than the first ridge 11 located on the outermost side of the plurality of first ridges 11 when viewed in cross section. It may be placed in a position biased further inward of area 110. That is, the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21 are not located on the same line in the thickness direction (Y) of the sealing member. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, an imaginary line C passing through the vertex of the first ridge 11 from the outer side and parallel to the thickness direction Y passes through the vertex of the second ridge 21 and It is offset outward with respect to the imaginary line B parallel to the thickness direction (Y). As used herein, the “thickness direction of the sealing member” refers to a direction parallel to the cross section of the sealing member 100 and perpendicular to the width direction (X) of the sealing member 100, as shown in FIG. 3 (i.e., the direction corresponding to the vertical direction in FIG. 3).

5A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the sealing member of the present disclosure with a compressive load applied to the sealing member. Additionally, as shown, in the sealing member of the present disclosure including the above-described structure, when the second connector 300 is inserted into the first connector 200, the second ridge 21 is connected to the second connector ( 300) is pressurized. A load applied in the thickness direction (Y) of the sealing member 100 is applied to the sealing member 100 disposed between the connectors. In this case, the second major face 20 comprises a central trough 25 and the first ridge 11 is arranged to be offset outwardly with respect to the second ridge 21 , so that the second ridge 25 21) can be elastically deformed to bend towards the central trough 25 of the second major surface 20.

Specifically, the portion immediately below the second ridge 21 (i.e., a position on the virtual line B parallel to the thickness direction (Y)) is a position offset in the width direction (X) without contacting the first connector 100. It contacts the first ridge 11, which means that the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21 are not located on the same axis with respect to the thickness direction (Y) and the first ridge 11 moves relatively outward. This is because it is arranged to be biased.

Therefore, when a compressive load is applied to the second ridge 21, the second ridge 21 is compressed and deformed in the same direction as the thickness direction (Y), and the first ridge 11 located on the outside in cross-sectional view is It can be bent to tilt outward. Additionally, the second ridge 21 can be deformed to be inclined toward the central trough 25 by bending the first ridge 11 .

In this elastic deformation state, at least the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21 come into contact with the first connector 200 and the second connector 300, respectively, and thus waterproofing between the connectors is ensured. You can. The second ridge 21 is deformed to be inclined toward the central trough 25 to facilitate elastic deformation of the region 110 protruding in the width direction (X) when a compressive load is applied. This elastic deformation in the width direction there is. Accordingly, the degree of elastic deformation of the sealing member 100 in the thickness direction (Y) can be further reduced.

That is, according to the sealing member 100 of the present disclosure, elastic deformation of the sealing member 100 is possible in the width direction (X) in the protruding area 110, and thus elasticity in the thickness direction (Y) is possible. As the degree of deformation is reduced, the repulsive force acting in the thickness direction (Y) of the sealing member 100 can be further reduced. As a result, excessive repulsive force (i.e., force acting in the thickness direction (Y) of the sealing member 100) acting from the sealing member 100 to the first connector 200 and/or the second connector 300 is suppressed. Thus, the force required to insert the second connector 300 can be reduced. Accordingly, the force for inserting the connector according to the sealing member 100 of the present disclosure can be more preferably reduced.

Furthermore, according to the sealing member 100 of the present disclosure, the center of the second major surface 20 of the protruding area 110 includes a central trough 25, and thus the thickness direction of the sealing member 100 Excessive repulsive force acting as (Y) can be more preferably suppressed. More specifically, the central trough 25 of the second major face 20 may advantageously assist the plurality of second ridges 21 located on the second major face 20 to elastically deform to bend toward the center. there is. In the conventional structure including a ridge at the center of the second main surface 20, when a load is applied in the thickness direction (Y), the central ridge is elastically deformed so that it is compressed in the thickness direction (Y) without bending. Accordingly, the repulsive force acting in the thickness direction (Y) further increases, so more force may be required when inserting the connector. However, since the sealing member 100 of the present disclosure has a structure including the central trough 25 in the center of the second main surface 20, the second ridges 21 located on both sides of the central trough 25 ) can be bent toward the central trough 25 and approach each other. That is, the sealing member 100 of the present disclosure can be elastically deformed not only in the thickness direction (Y) but also in the width direction (X) when a compressive load is applied to the protruding area 110, so the sealing member 100 Excessive repulsive force acting in the thickness direction (Y) can be more preferably suppressed.

The cross-sectional shape of the central trough 25 is not particularly limited as long as this bending of the second ridge 21 is achieved as described above. For example, the cross-sectional shape may be generally V-shaped, tapering towards the bottom of the central trough 25 such that the width dimension of the central trough 25 gradually decreases. In the second ridges 21 adjacent to each other across the central trough 25, this cross-sectional shape is obtained when no load is applied to the second ridge 21 (i.e., when the second connector 300 is not inserted). ) so that the tip portion of the second ridge 21 can be preferably separated. If the tip portion is insufficiently separated, it becomes impossible for the second ridge 21 to sufficiently bend toward the center when a load is applied, and elastic deformation in the width direction (X) may be limited. The central trough 25 has a generally V-shape when viewed in cross-section, such that upon application of a load from the second major face 20 (i.e. insertion of the second connector) the second ridge 21 is preferably centered. It can be bent to incline toward the trough 25, and more preferably, the second ridge 21 can be elastically deformed in the width direction (X).

In addition, it is more preferable that the central trough 25 is formed to have a sufficiently large depth when viewed in cross section, so that the second ridge 21 can be preferably bent under a compressive load. That is, the central trough 25 is preferably not a groove formed in each of the second ridges 21, but a trough with sufficient depth formed between two independent second ridges 21.

Specifically, the depth D of the central trough 25 may be equal to or greater than the height H1 of the second ridge 21 adjacent to the central trough 25 when viewed in cross section. As used herein, “depth of the central trough” refers to the depth of each apex 21c of the second ridge 21 adjacent the central trough 25 and the bottom 25a of the central trough 25 when viewed in cross section. ) refers to the dimensions between (see Figure 4). Additionally, “height of the second ridge” refers to the dimension between the outer ridge starting point 21d of the second ridge 21 and the apex 21c of the second ridge 21. For example, the depth D of the central trough 25 varies depending on the thickness, size, etc. of the sealing member 100, but depends on the height H1 of each second ridge 21 adjacent to the central trough 25. It can be 50% to 120%, 60% to 115%, or 70% to 110%.

As shown in FIG. 5A , on the second major surface 20 including the central trough 25, each of the plurality of second ridges 21 is bent toward the center, thereby forming the central trough 25. The two second ridges 21 adjacent to each other across are bent towards the central trough 25 and approach each other.

According to one embodiment, according to this structure, even when pressure is applied to the sealing member 100 from one side of the protruding area in the width direction It is desirable that waterproof performance can be secured by the 2 ridges 21.

This means, for example, when some water flows from one side across the second ridge 21 located on that side, when water pressure is applied to the second ridge 21 located on the other side, the second ridge 21 ) is applied in the direction of pressing the second connector 300, and thus the second ridge 21 can come into closer contact with the second connector 300.

In addition, the second ridge 21 comes into close contact with the second connector 300 while being bent, and thus not only the apex of the second ridge 21 but also the side area of the second ridge 21 contacts the second connector 300. It can reach (200). Accordingly, in the sealing member 100 of the present disclosure, a larger adjacent area can be secured between each second ridge 21 and the second connector 300. In addition, the first ridge 11 is bent in the width direction (X) together with the second ridge 21, thereby further enlarging the adjacent area between each first ridge 11 and the first connector 200. It can be. As a result, the sealing member 100 and the first/second connectors 200 and 300 can be in close contact with each other over a wider area, so the sealing characteristics of the sealing member 100 can be further improved. Accordingly, in accordance with the present disclosure, a more desirable sealing member may be provided in which both reduced insertion force of the connector and desirable sealing properties are achieved.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a side where the gap W between the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 is smaller than the gap in FIG. 5A. That is, FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing the side on which a compressive load greater than that of FIG. 5A is applied. As shown in FIG. 5B, the gap W between the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 is smaller depending on the dimensional tolerance between the first connector 200 and the second connector 300. You can lose. In the conventional sealing member 100, this reduction in the gap W can apply a large compressive load to the sealing member 100 in the operation of coupling the connectors, and the first connector 200 and the sealing member 100 can be separated from the sealing member 100. /Or it is possible to increase the repulsive force acting on the second connector 300. Concerns have been raised that this repulsive force may increase the force required for the coupling operation, thereby applying excessive load to the first connector 200 and the second connector 300, resulting in deformation and/or damage.

In the sealing member 100 of the present disclosure, the gap W between the first/second connectors is small, as shown in Figure 5b, and applying a larger load causes the second ridge 21 to tilt more toward the center. It can be bent to hold. This can be understood to mean that as the compressive load increases, the elastic deformation of the sealing member 100 in the width direction (X) further increases. As described above, even when a larger load is applied to the sealing member 100 from the thickness direction (Y) due to dimensional tolerances between connectors, etc., the sealing member 100 of the present disclosure is applied in the width direction (X). It is preferable that the sealing member 100 be elastically deformed, and thus the elastic deformation of the sealing member 100 in the thickness direction (Y) can be suppressed. Therefore, according to the structure of the sealing member 100 of the present disclosure, an excessive increase in the repulsive force acting in the thickness direction (Y) can be preferably suppressed.

In one embodiment, the second ridges 21 adjacent to each other across the central trough 25 may be bent toward the center to contact each other under a compressive load applied to the second ridges 21 (see FIG. 5B ). For example, the second ridges 21 adjacent to each other are bent toward the center so that the second ridges 21 approach each other by a compressive load, and the second ridges 21 are subjected to pressure applied from the outside to the sealing member. It can be formed to be further bent to block the central trough 25, and thus the second ridges 21 can come into contact with each other. For example, when more load is applied to the second ridges 21 adjacent to each other in the thickness direction (Y) of the sealing member 100 and/or at the end side in the width direction (X) of the protruding area (i.e. When pressure is applied to the sealing member 100 from the inside and/or outside of the connector, it may be further bent so as to come into contact with each other. The second ridges 21 adjacent to each other are in contact with each other, and since these two second ridges 21 support each other and come into close contact with the second connector 300, the seal provided by the sealing member 100 The characteristics can be further improved.

The plurality of first ridges 11 protruding toward the first connector 100 may each protrude at different heights. For example, in a plurality of first ridges 11 adjacent to each other, when viewed in cross section, the first ridge 11 located farther from the center of the protruding area 110 is the first ridge 11 located closer to the center. It may protrude to a greater height than the ridge 11. In certain preferred embodiments, the central ridge 12, which protrudes at a height different from that of the first ridges 11, is positioned between any two adjacent first ridges 11 among the plurality of first ridges 11. More included. The central ridge 12 is located at the center of the first major face 10. The central ridge 12 preferably protrudes so that the height H2 of the central ridge 12 is smaller than the height of the plurality of first ridges 11 (see FIG. 4). That is, on the first main surface 10, the central ridge 12 has the lowest height H2 of the central ridge 12 when viewed in cross section, and has a plurality of ridges located outward from the central ridge 12. The height H3 of the first ridge 11 may protrude to be greater than the height H2.

As described above, the central ridge 12 is designed so that the height H2 of the central ridge 12 located at the center of the first main surface 10 is the lowest when viewed in cross section, so that a compressive load is applied to the sealing member. In the non-supported state (i.e., the second connector is not inserted), the central ridge 12 does not need to contact the first connector 200. When a compressive load is applied to the sealing member 100 (i.e., when the second connector 300 is inserted), the sealing member 100 is elastically deformed and the central ridge 12 moves toward the first connector 200. . That is, as a compressive load is applied from the area close to the second main surface 20 by insertion of the second connector 300, the sealing member 100 is elastically deformed toward the bottom in the drawing, so that the sealing member 100 is elastically deformed in the width direction of the protruding area. The center of (X) is pressed toward the first connector 200. The central trough 25 of the second major surface 20 may also be deformed to be pressed toward the first connector 200 along with this deformation. As a result, the plurality of second ridges 21 located on both sides across the central trough 25 are elastically deformed to be pulled toward the central trough 25, making it easy to bend the second ridges 21 toward the center. It becomes. That is, the above-described structure enables the sealing member 100 to be more preferably elastically deformed in the width direction (X) when the sealing member 100 receives a compressive load. Therefore, the above-described structure in which the height of the protruding portion of the first ridge 11 located close to the center is low, can suppress excessive repulsive force from the sealing member 100, and can suppress the excessive repulsive force required in the operation of coupling the connector. It is possible to provide a sealing member whose force can be more advantageously reduced.

As shown in FIG. 3, the central ridge 12 located at the center of the first major surface 10 and the central trough 25 of the second major surface 20 are located in the thickness direction (Y) of the sealing member 100. ) can be located on opposite sides of each other. That is, the central ridge 12 of the first main surface 10 and the central trough 25 of the second main surface 20 may be located on the same line with respect to the thickness direction Y. For example, the vertex 12c of the central ridge and the lower end 25a of the central trough may be located on the same virtual line along the thickness direction Y. More preferably, the apex 12c of the central ridge and the lower end 25a of the central trough have a center line (A) that passes through the center of the protruding region 110 and extends along the thickness direction Y when viewed in cross section. ) can be located on the

When the central ridge 12 and the central trough 25 are disposed as described above, the central portion of the protruding area 110 moves toward the first connector 200 when a compressive load is applied in the thickness direction (Y). More preferably, it can be easily elastically deformed. Both ends of the protruding area 110 are relatively deformed toward the second connector 300 along with this elastic deformation. As a result, the second ridge 21 can preferably be inclined towards the center. In addition, the central ridge 12 and the central trough 25 are located on the center line A of the protruding area 110 when viewed in cross section, and thus both ends of the protruding area 110 are located along the center line ( It can be elastically deformed to be symmetrical with respect to A). Accordingly, the first/second connectors 200, 300 and the sealing member 100 are preferably in close contact with each other at both ends of the protruding area 110, and the repulsive force of the compressed and deformed sealing member 100 Deflection to this local area can be preferably suppressed. Accordingly, the repulsive force of the sealing member 100 is preferably distributed, and excessive action of the repulsive force on the first connector 200 and/or the second connector 300 abutting the sealing member 100 can be preferably suppressed. there is. That is, the force required for the operation of coupling the connector can be more preferably reduced according to the sealing member 100 of the present disclosure.

The central ridge 12 and the plurality of first ridges 11 include a plurality of second ridges 21 located on the second major surface 20 opposite the central ridge 12 and the plurality of first ridges 11. ) may be arranged to be offset in the width direction (X) of the protruding area 110. More specifically, the vertices of the plurality of first ridges 11 and the central ridge 12 may be arranged to be deflected in the width direction (X) with respect to the vertices of the plurality of second ridges 21 when viewed in cross section. there is. That is, the ridges of the first main surface including the first ridge 11 and the central ridge 12 and the second ridge 21 are located on the same line with respect to the thickness direction Y of the sealing member 100. There is no need. For example, the ridges and second ridges 21 of the first major face, including the first ridge 11 and the central ridge 12, are alternately the first major face 10 and the second ridge 21 when viewed in cross section. 2 may be placed respectively on the main surface 20.

The ridges of the first major surface including the first ridge 11 and the central ridge 12 and the second ridge 21 are arranged to be offset with respect to each other, thereby providing elastic deformation in the thickness direction Y. The edge for deflection exists at a position opposite to the thickness direction of each ridge when viewed in cross section. Specifically, the ridges of the first main surface including the first ridge 11 and the central ridge 12 and the second ridge 21 are aligned in the thickness direction Y of the sealing member 100 when viewed in cross section. Since they are not located on the same line, a gap 15 exists between the first connector 200 and the sealing member 100 on the opposite side of the second ridge 21 when no compressive load is applied. When a compressive load is applied, the ridge abutting the connector is pressed and the sealing member 100 is deformed, so that the gap 15 between the first connector 200 and the sealing member 100 may become smaller.

In a structure where the ridges of two opposing main surfaces are located on the same line in the thickness direction as in the conventional structure, when a compressive load is applied, the ridges located on the same line are elastically deformed and compressed in the thickness direction (Y). Therefore, there is a risk that the repulsive force acting in the thickness direction (Y) may be excessively increased. In contrast, in the sealing member 100 of the present disclosure, the ridges 11, 12 and the second ridge 21 of the first major surface 10 are arranged to be offset from each other, so that when a compressive load is applied, the sealing member ( The sealing member 100 can be deformed so that 100) is bent, and thus the compressive strain in the thickness direction (Y) of the ridge is reduced. As a result, excessive repulsive force from the sealing member 100 to the connector generated by compressive deformation of the sealing member 100 can be preferably suppressed.

As described above, the second ridges 21 adjacent to each other may be bent toward the center when a compressive load is applied, and the tip portions of the second ridges 21 may contact each other to support each other. Therefore, it is desirable to arrange an even number of second ridges 21 on the second main surface 20. For example, two, four or six second ridges 21 may be formed on the second major surface 20 . If a high value is given to the strength of the ridges, a smaller number (e.g. two or four) of the second ridges 21 is desirable on the second major face 20 so that the cross-sectional area of each ridge is larger. are placed accordingly. In certain preferred aspects, the two second ridges 21 may be arranged to form a central trough 25 in the center of the second major face 20 (see Figure 3). Alternatively, the second major surface 20 may comprise four second ridges 21 (see Figure 6).

The first ridge 11 more preferably includes at least a central ridge 12 and a first ridge 11 located on both sides more outer than the second ridge 21 when viewed in cross section. Accordingly, the first major surface 10 preferably includes at least three first ridges 11 . In certain preferred aspects, in contrast to the even number of second ridges 21 , the odd number of ridges 11 , 12 are arranged to be offset from each other on the first major face 10 . That is, the first major surface 10 may include an odd number of ridges, including an even number of first ridges 11 and one central ridge 12. In other words, the sealing member 100 of the present disclosure may include an even number of first ridges 11 and an even number of second ridges 21. For example, the sealing member 100, as shown in FIG. 3, includes two first ridges 11, one central ridge 12 located between the two first ridges 11, and two first ridges 11. It may include 2 ridges (21). Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, when viewed in cross section, the sealing member 100 includes four first ridges 11, one central ridge 12 and four second ridges 21. Thus, the first ridge 11, the central ridge 12, and the second ridge 21 may be arranged to be offset from each other.

The cross-sectional shape of the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21 may have a mountain shape whose width gradually decreases toward the apex of the ridge. In particular, each second ridge 21 has, when viewed in cross section, an inclination angle of an inclined surface 21b close to the center of the second main face and an outer inclined surface 21a opposite to the inclined surface 21b close to the center. The inclination angles may have different external contours. That is, the cross-sectional shape of each second ridge 21 is not symmetrical, and a portion near the center and an outer portion of each second ridge 21 may be inclined at different angles. This means that the cross-sectional shape of each second ridge 21 is line-asymmetric with respect to an imaginary line B that passes through the vertex of each second ridge 21 and is parallel to the thickness direction Y of the sealing member. asymmetrical) (see Figure 3). Specifically, in each second ridge 21, the inclination angle of the inclined surface 21b closer to the center may be larger than the inclination angle of the outer inclined surface 21a. That is, in the cross-sectional shape of each second ridge 21, the angle of the outer inclination may be smaller than the angle of inclination closer to the center. In other words, in each second ridge 21, when viewed in cross section, the outer portion may be more gently sloping than the portion closer to the center.

According to this shape, each second ridge 21 includes a gentle slope on the side into which the second connector 300 is inserted, so that it seals with the second connector 300 during the operation of inserting the second connector 300. Interference between members 100 can be reduced. Accordingly, the second connector 300 can be inserted more easily, and the force required in the operation of fastening the connector can be more preferably reduced.

In contrast, each first ridge 11 may be more gently sloped in a section closer to the center than in the outer portion. That is, each first ridge 11 may have an asymmetric shape when viewed in cross section. This means that the cross-sectional shape of each first ridge 11 is line-asymmetric with respect to an imaginary line C passing through the vertex of each first ridge 11 and parallel to the thickness direction Y of the sealing member. means (see Figure 3). That is, the inclination angle of the inclined surface 11b closer to the center of each first ridge 11 may be smaller than the inclination angle of the outer inclined surface 11a. In contrast, the cross-sectional shape of the central ridge 12 is line- It is symmetrical.

Generally, the second connector 300 is inserted into the first connector 200 to which the sealing member 100 is attached. That is, the second connector 300 is close to the second main surface 20, with the part close to the first main surface 10 including the first ridge 11 in contact with the first connector 200. inserted as part. In this case, each first ridge 11 has a shape in which the outer side of each first ridge 11 is inclined more steeply, so that each first ridge 11 is suppressed from bending toward the center. Therefore, when force is applied to the sealing member along the insertion or removal direction of the second connector 300 (i.e., the width direction (X) of the connector), the first connector 200 and the first connector abutting the first connector 200 1 As the interference between the ridges 11 increases, movement of the sealing member 100 in this insertion or removal direction can be suppressed. Accordingly, since each first ridge 11 has the cross-sectional shape as described above, unintentional movement of the sealing member 100 due to the insertion or removal operation of the second connector 300 can be suppressed. That is, the sealing member 100 is preferably maintained on the first connector 200 by the first ridge 11, and thus insertion or removal of the second connector 300 can be facilitated.

In one embodiment, the protruding region 110 includes a portion that is line-symmetric when viewed in cross-section. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the protruding area 110 may be line-symmetric with respect to the center line A that passes through the center of the sealing member 100 and extends in the thickness direction Y (see FIG. 3). . The positions and shapes of the first ridge 11 and the second ridge 21 within the protruding area 110 may be symmetrical with respect to the center line A when viewed in cross section. If the cross-sectional shape of the protruding area 110 is line-symmetric, horizontally uniform elastic deformation of the sealing member 100 within the protruding area 110 becomes easier when applying a compressive load, and the elastic deformation acts as a result of the elastic deformation. The local concentration of the repulsive force can be preferably suppressed. As used herein, “line-symmetry” is not necessarily limited to “perfect line symmetry” but includes shapes and/or locations that are approximately line-symmetric.

In one embodiment, the sealing member 100 including the protruding region 110 may be generally line-symmetric when viewed in cross section. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 100 may have a line-symmetrical shape with respect to the center line A, as shown in FIG. 3 or 4.

In another embodiment, the sealing member 100 further includes an extension region 120 adjacent to the protruding region 110 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). The extended area 120 may extend from at least one end of the protruding area 110 when viewed in cross section. This extended area 120 is an area that does not include a ridge extending from the protruding area 110, and therefore may also be referred to as a “non-protruding area”, “ridge-free area”, etc. By including the extended area 120, the area where the sealing member 100 and the first connector 200 and/or the second connector 300 can contact each other is expanded, thereby improving the sealing characteristics. , it is possible to more preferably prevent separation of the sealing member 100 due to insertion or removal of the connector. That is, the sealing member of the present disclosure includes a structure that further includes not only the protruding area 110 but also the extended area 120, thereby improving sealing characteristics, preventing separation of the sealing member, and satisfying the requirements required for the mating operation of the connector. This may be desirable from the viewpoint of reduction of force, etc.

The extension area 120 may extend to an area closer to the inside of the connector along the shape of the gap between the first connector 200 and the second connector 300.

In this configuration, the sealing member 100 including the protruding area 110 may be linearly asymmetric as a whole. For example, at least a portion of the extended area 120 may extend in a direction different from the direction of the protruding area 110 . Specifically, at least a portion of the extended area 120 may extend in a direction different from the width direction (X) of the protruding area 110. In one embodiment, the extended region 120 includes a generally L-shaped portion that, when viewed in cross-section, follows the shape of the gap between the first and second connectors (see Figure 7B). More specifically, the extension area 120 may have a generally L-shape such that the extension area 120 can be positioned between the tip of the housing of the first connector and the second connector. According to this structure, the sealing member 100 may be in surface contact with the first connector and/or the second connector, preferably in the extended area 120. Accordingly, the sealing member 100 is in close contact with the first connector 200 and/or the second connector 300 in both the protruding area 110 and the extended area 120 to achieve more desirable sealing properties. Includes parts that can be easily touched.

Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, various modifications, such as combinations of the above-described configurations, are possible without departing from the gist of the claims.

The phosphor recovery devices and methods of the present disclosure include the following preferred aspects:

<1> In the sealing member including a protruding area,

The protruding area is,

a plurality of first ridges on the first major side;

a plurality of second ridges on a second major side opposite the first major side; and

a central trough formed between adjacent second ridges and located at the center of the second major face when viewed in cross section;

At least the first ridge located at the outermost side of the first ridges is arranged to be offset with respect to the plurality of second ridges when viewed in cross section.

<2> The sealing member according to <1> further includes a central ridge located between any two of the plurality of first ridges and located at the center of the first main surface when viewed in cross section,

The central ridge protrudes to a height lower than that of the plurality of first ridges.

<3> In the sealing member according to <2>, when viewed in cross section, the central ridge and the central trough are arranged on the same line along the thickness direction of the sealing member.

<4> In the sealing member according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the plurality of second ridges receive a compressive load in the thickness direction of the sealing member, the plurality of second ridges are located at the center Can bend towards the trough.

<5> The sealing member according to <4>, wherein in the bent second ridges, the second ridges adjacent to each other across the central trough may abut each other.

<6> The sealing member according to any one of <1> to <5>, including an even number of the first ridges and one central ridge on the first main surface, and an even number of the first ridges on the second main surface. Includes secondary ridges.

<7> The sealing member according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the plurality of first ridges and the plurality of second ridges are offset from each other in the width direction of the sealing member when viewed in cross section. It is arranged as much as possible.

<8> The sealing member according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein, in the plurality of first ridges adjacent to each other, the first ridge located farther from the center of the protruding area is located at the center. It protrudes to a greater height than the first ridge located on the closer side.

<9> The sealing member according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein the central trough becomes thinner toward the lower end of the central trough such that the width dimension of the central trough gradually decreases when viewed in cross section. .

<10> In the sealing member according to any one of <1> to <9>, the protruding area includes a portion that is line-symmetric when viewed in cross section.

<11> The sealing member according to any one of <1> to <10>, wherein at least one of the plurality of first ridges and the plurality of second ridges has a line-asymmetric portion when viewed in cross section. Includes.

<12> The sealing member according to any one of <1> to <11>, wherein the inclination angle of each of the second ridges farther from the center is smaller than the inclination angle of the side closer to the center.

<13> The sealing member according to any one of <1> to <12> further includes an extended area adjacent to the protruding area.

<14> The sealing member according to <13>, wherein at least a portion of the extended area extends in a direction different from the direction of the protruding area.

<15> In the sealing member according to any one of <1> to <14>, a cross-sectional shape of the sealing member including the protruding region is linearly asymmetric as a whole.

<16> In a connector assembly including a first connector, a second connector matched to the first connector, and a sealing member disposed between the first connector and the second connector,

The sealing member includes a protruding area;

The protruding area is,

a plurality of first ridges on a first major side facing the first connector;

a plurality of second ridges on a second major side opposite the first major side facing the second connector; and

a central trough formed between adjacent second ridges and located at the center of the second major face when viewed in cross section;

Including,

At least the first ridge located at the outermost side of the plurality of first ridges is arranged to be offset with respect to the plurality of second ridges when viewed in cross section.

Industrial applicability: Application to the connector is illustrated in the examples. However, the present invention is not limited to connectors, but can similarly be applied to other members, such as housings, that require a reliable waterproof structure together with the sealing member.

1: Connector assembly
100: sealing member
110: protruding area
120: extension area
10: 1st main side
11: 1st ridge
12: Central Ridge
15: gap
20: 2nd main face
21: 2nd ridge
21c: Apex of the second ridge
25: Central trough
25a: Bottom of central trough
2: first connector
210: inner housing
220: external housing
300: second connector
310: Housing of second connector
400: Slider
500: retainer

Claims (16)

In the sealing member including a protruding area,
The protruding area is,
a plurality of first ridges on the first major side;
a plurality of second ridges on a second major side opposite the first major side; and
a central trough formed between adjacent second ridges and located at the center of the second major face when viewed in cross section;
Including,
A sealing member, wherein at least a first ridge located at the outermost side of the first ridges is arranged to be offset relative to the plurality of second ridges when viewed in cross section.
According to claim 1,
The sealing member further includes a central ridge located between any two of the plurality of first ridges and located at the center of the first major surface when viewed in cross section,
The sealing member wherein the central ridge protrudes to a lower height than the height of the plurality of first ridges.
According to claim 2,
A sealing member, wherein, when viewed in cross section, the central ridge and the central trough are disposed on the same line along the thickness direction of the sealing member.
According to claim 1,
A sealing member wherein the plurality of second ridges can be bent toward the central trough when the plurality of second ridges are subjected to a compressive load in the thickness direction of the sealing member.
According to claim 4,
In the curved second ridges, the second ridges adjacent to each other across the central trough can abut each other.
According to claim 1,
A sealing member comprising an even number of the first ridges and one central ridge on the first major face and an even number of the second ridges on the second major face.
According to claim 1,
The plurality of first ridges and the plurality of second ridges are arranged to be offset from each other in the width direction of the sealing member when viewed in cross section.
According to claim 1,
In the plurality of first ridges adjacent to each other, a first ridge located on a side farther from the center of the protruding area protrudes to a greater height than the first ridge located on a side closer to the center.
According to claim 1,
The sealing member according to claim 1, wherein the central trough tapers toward the bottom of the central trough such that the width dimension of the central trough gradually decreases when viewed in cross section.
According to claim 1,
The sealing member, wherein the protruding area includes a portion that is line-symmetric when viewed in cross section.
According to claim 1,
At least one of the plurality of first ridges and the plurality of second ridges includes a linearly asymmetric portion when viewed in cross section.
According to claim 1,
The sealing member wherein the inclination angle of each of the second ridges farther from the center is smaller than the inclination angle of the side closer to the center.
According to claim 1,
A sealing member further comprising an extended area adjacent to the protruding area.
According to claim 13,
A sealing member, wherein at least a portion of the extended area extends in a direction different from the direction of the protruding area.
According to claim 1,
A sealing member wherein the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member including the protruding area is generally linearly asymmetric.
A connector assembly comprising a first connector, a second connector matched to the first connector, and a sealing member disposed between the first connector and the second connector,
The sealing member includes a protruding area;
The protruding area is,
a plurality of first ridges on a first major side facing the first connector;
a plurality of second ridges on a second major side opposite the first major side facing the second connector; and
a central trough formed between adjacent second ridges and located at the center of the second major face when viewed in cross section;
Including,
A connector assembly, wherein at least an outermost first ridge of the plurality of first ridges is arranged to be offset relative to the plurality of second ridges when viewed in cross section.

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